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Originally posted by Rudi
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The St Andrew South Division — a crime nursery
By Denise Brown
The St Andrew South Division is the most troubled and bloodiest division in Jamaica.
Seventeen per cent or 238 of all the murders committed in the island so far this year, took place in that division. Last year, the division was responsible for 242 murders and with only two months left in the year, it is quite likely that the current crime rate will exceed that of last year.
The St Andrew South Division, which comprises of over 40 inner-city communities, is located at the most westerly end of the island's capital city, Kingston. It is the most populated division and comprises four political constituencies: South West St Andrew, North West St Andrew, West St Andrew and West Central St Andrew.
Of the total 1,445 murders committed in the island last year, the St Andrew South Division was responsible for 242. Of this figure, 230 were gun related, of which 111 were solved. In addition there were 229 robberies, of which 176 were gun related. Shootings amounted to 303 and injuries 214.
Although the division pursued several anti-crime initiatives during the year, these criminal activities still occurred. Of the 238 murders committed there this year, only 77 have been solved.
Woefully inadequate
Deputy Superintendent Winchroy Budhoo and Deputy Superintendent Oswald Ayre of the Hunt's Bay Police Station, which is located in the division, explained that the crime rate there is worsening because the current ratio of police to residents in the area is woefully inadequate.
DSP Budhoo explained that in developed countries anywhere between 60 to 70 police officers work on a murder investigation, but “here we have one police officer working on 20 different murder cases.”
“It is simply overwhelming,” he said.
He also said that the manpower of the Jamaica Constabulary Force needed to be drastically increased in order for it to carry out its job effectively.
DSP Budhoo added that although there were several departments in the division, the largest being the Criminal Investigation Branch, 37 detectives were inadequate to deal with the crime situation in the area. In total the division has on roll 345 members, however, only 280 are available for work. At present the working strength is 280 comprising four officers, 10 inspectors, 30 sergeants, 46 corporals, 190 constables and 33 district constables.
“The recommended international ratio is 1:250, but based on the level of crime in this division a 1:1 ratio would be ideal. The expected number of detectives for this division would be 100 members,” said DSP Oswald Ayre.
He believes that the limited number of police officers in the area is seriously affecting their effectiveness and that the general attitude of persons there is not helpful.
“The residents in these communities are not reporting criminal activities for fear of reprisals from these criminals. This sort of attitude is negatively affecting how well the police carry out their duties.”
He added that the growing numbers of squatter settlements in the area is worsening the situation.
Sunday Herald
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